Society

A diagnosed psychopath reveals how she feels and sees the world: “These are the 3 behaviors of psychopathy”

The young woman claims on social media three common traits that can indicate that someone is a psychopath.

Instagram

Update: Jul 3rd, 2025 08:03 EDT

Through her TikTok account, VicthePath has posted a video claiming to be a diagnosed psychopath, and decided to share with her followers some of the most common traits associated with the personality disorder. She did, however, clarify her opening in the first few seconds of the video below.

Driven by a mix of curiosity and fear of seeing themselves reflected in what she describes, thousands of users clicked to find out what characteristics she exhibits. However, experts caution that psychopathy is not an official diagnosis, according to Oloygeia’s website.

Serial killers like American murderer Jeffrey Dahmer have historically been used as examples of psychopathy. But many experts argue that figures like Dahmer don’t actually fit the profile. When assessing individuals, professionals tend to rely more on the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) than psychopathy itself.

@victhepath
Yes people with ASPD still have feelings, but this isn’t to say sociopaths are overly emotional, they are just more emotional than a psychopath #antisocialpersonalitydisorder #highfunctioningpsychopath #femalepsychopath #aspdawareness #psychopath #psychopathdiary #psychpathyspectrum #psychopathy #chroniclesofapsychopath
♬ original sound - Vic Path

What defines a psychopath?

In contrast to the three assumptions shared by VicthePath in her TikTok, experts point to three traits commonly found among people with this type of disorder. It’s not simply about being cold or criminal, but rather the combination of:

Boldness – a calm, confident presence even in dangerous situations

Callousness – lack of empathy, leading to harsh and manipulative behavior

Disinhibition – impulsive actions and poor self-control

Experts also distinguish between two types of psychopaths. Primary psychopaths are typically fearless, remain composed in the face of danger, and emotionally detached from others. Secondary psychopaths, on the other hand, tend to be more anxious, emotionally reactive, and often have a history of trauma.

A study published in ScienceDirect found that more intense psychopaths show a diminished fear response – for example, their pupils don’t dilate when exposed to disturbing images, a trait referred to in psychology as the “psychopathic stare.”

Another shared feature is their ability to stay calm and confront fear-inducing scenarios in virtual simulations. Finally, researchers note that these traits are more likely to appear in environments marked by high inequality, corruption and crime.

The three signs named by the TikToker

In her TikTok, VicthePath describes three common traits that she, as a self-described diagnosed psychopath, possesses – and she claims that if anyone relates to any of them, “you’re a psychopath.”

Craving for adrenaline

Leaping off a bridge in a harness or jumping from a plane with just a parachute – these are some of the examples she gives of chasing an adrenaline rush. While most people wouldn’t put their lives in the hands of a parachute, the desire for high-intensity emotions is seen by the TikToker as a sign of psychopathy.

This thrill-seeking tendency is indeed considered a predictor of psychopathy, according to research from the National Library of Medicine. In women especially, a fearless hunger for stimulation is commonly observed in those with psychopathic traits.

Will do anything to get what they want

With a mix of charm and manipulation, psychopaths tend to pursue their goals relentlessly. While this might sound more like the behavior of a spoiled child, the ability to do whatever it takes to get one’s way is frequently observed in individuals with this condition.

According to a Choosing Therapy article, this charming but exploitative behavior – acting without regard for others’ feelings or opinions – is a red flag worth noting.

Low stress levels

This is one of the more debated points among experts. Psychopaths often appear to maintain very low levels of anxietyin social situations or when meeting new people. However, another study from the National Library of Medicine suggests that psychopathy and anxiety are not mutually exclusive. While psychopaths can experience anxiety, their typically confident and charismatic behavior tends to mask it.